Hairbrained Conversations

By Hairbrained

What's Hairbrained Conversations about?

A weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the minds of some of the most talented artists, educators, influencers, and leaders in the professional salon industry. Hosted by Gerard Scarpaci, Crafthairdresser and Co founder of Hairbrained

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Hairbrained Conversations episodes:

05.12.2024
Episode #322: Ashlee Norman, @schwarzkopfusa Artistic Team Member and @k18hair Ambassador
This Mother's Day, we're giving it up to @ashleenormanhair, who juggles motherhood along with her roles at Schwarzkopf and K18. Of course Ashlee's family (her husband in particular) is central to her success, but she also attributes the diversity of...
04.29.2024
Episode #321: Christine Hall, @aveda Vice President, Research & Development, and Renée Gadar, Global Artistic Director, Texture
In this episode, we celebrate Aveda’s newest line, Be Curly Advanced. We’re joined by scientist Christine Hall (@christinebhall) and textured hair expert Renée Gadar (@reneesrh), who, along with their teams, co-created the groundbreaking line to meet the needs of curly...
04.21.2024
Episode #320: Ray Civello, Salon Owner and Back of Bottle Founder
In this episode, Gerard Scarpaci chats with Ray Civello (@raycivello), renowned salon owner and founder of the environmentally friendly brand, Back of Bottle (@backofbottle). Ray talks about his background, what led him to product manufacturing and what sets BOB apart....
04.14.2024
Episode 319: Allison Daza, Owner of Hanging Garden Studio and Host of “Stories From The Field” from Davines
Meet Allison Daza (@allisondazahair), a salon owner and @davinesnorthamerica educator who is committed to sustainable beauty and regenerative agriculture. Allison shares how she puts her beliefs into practice at her studio and how she embarked on a journey...
02.18.2024
Episode #318 Gordon Nelson, VP Brand Partnerships, Hairbrained
Hairbrained is thrilled to welcome beauty industry veteran Gordon Nelson (@gordonwnelson) to the team as our new VP of Brand Partnerships. In this episode, we introduce Gordon to the Hb community by talking about his long history with the industry,...
02.04.2024
Episode #317: Evan Joseph, Salon Owner and Independent Curl Educator
Evan Joseph (@evanjosephcurls) relishes being an independent educator. But it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, considering he has been fiercely independent his whole life. In this episode, he explains how growing up gay in a small Midwestern town...
01.20.2024
Episode #316: Jorge Blanco, @davinesofficial Global Narrative Storytelling and North America Culture & Creative Director
When Jorge Blanco met @davinesofficial's Davide Bollati some 20 years ago, little did he know how much it would change the trajectory of his life. At the time, Jorge was flexing his editorial and entrepreneurial muscles as co-founder of a...
01.07.2024
Episode #315: Nick Stenson, @ultabeauty SVP of Store + Services Operations
Nick Stenson (@nickstenson) has had his hand in nearly every facet of the beauty business. His achievements include being a makeup artist and nail tech, not to mention an award winning hairdresser, brand ambassador, salon owner and founder of his...
12.24.2023
Episode #314: Patricia Nikole, @paintedhair, @schwarzkopfusa Artistic Ambassador
What began with a childhood love for painting has blossomed into a two-decade career that has taken Patricia Nikole around the world, helped her brand @paintedhair amass more than 1 million followers on Instagram and nearly 500K on TikTok, and...
12.03.2023
Episode #313: Diana Osborne, @holistichairexpert and @innersensepro Educator
Diana Osborne’s near miss with leaving the hair industry is a rather common one: Health issues triggered by certain salon products. Rather than leave the industry however, in 2019 Diana opened her own natural-products salon in Toronto. And when shutdowns...
11.19.2023
Episode #312: Carly Zanoni, @the.blonde.chronicles, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador
After a short stint in college, Carly Zanoni decided to take a chance on hair, and the rest is history. In this episode, Carly shares her beginnings as a young, insecure stylist to her reinvention as @the.blonde.chronicles, a brand that...
11.05.2023
Episode #311: Kristin Firrell, VP of Salon Development and John Paul Mitchell Systems
The idea that the opportunities are endless in the beauty industry needs no further proof than Kristin Firrell (@kfirrell). Now the VP of Salon Development at @paulmitchellpro, Kristin got her start as a salon stylist, and it was a transformative...
10.29.2023
Episode #310: Melissa Parizot and Olivia Casanova, Co-Owners of IGK Salon in NYC
One year ago, Melissa Parizot (@melissawillcutyou) and Olivia Casanova (@livcasanovahair) became co-owners in the much-lauded IGK Salon in the tony SOHO neighborhood in New York City. In this episode, they reveal their backgrounds, career journeys...
10.15.2023
Episode #309: Roger Molina, Master Stylist at Lunatic Fringe and Sam Villa ArTeam Member
Some of the world's best ideas have been born from dreams: Einstein's Theory of Relativity, the sewing machine, The Beatles' song "Yesterday"—and now we can add Roger Molina's captivating stop-motion haircutting videos to the list. In this episode, we talk...
10.10.2023
Episode #308: Todd Faulk, Aveda Arts And Sciences Institute Senior Educator
To honor World Mental Health Day, we are joined by Todd Faulk (@spiritualgangster75), educator at Aveda Arts + Sciences Institute in Dallas, to discuss the importance of understanding and recognizing the mental health challenges prevalent in our industry. From...
10.01.2023
Episode #307: Alfredo Lewis, @k18hair Global Ambassador
It may be hard to remember, but there was a time when social media was in its infancy. But @alfredo_lewis, Global Ambassador for K18, remembers—and it's because he was among its first early adopters. We talk with Alfredo about...
09.17.2023
Episode #306: Tatum Neill, Founder of @elevatehair
Tatum Neill's roots in the professional beauty industry run deep. His father, Edwin Smokey Neill, played a pivotal role in helping iconic hairdressers like Horst Rechelbacher, Paul Mitchell, and Irvine Rusk grow and distribute their respective brands during...
09.10.2023
Episode #305: Christopher Aaron, @cristopheraaronstudio, L'ANZA International Advanced Artist
Some people go through their whole lives not knowing what they want to do, and then there are people like Christopher Aaron (@christopheraaronstudio), who always knew he wanted to be a hairdresser. Luckily for him (and us), his high school...
09.03.2023
#304: Adam Federico, VP of Creative Development, @randco
We are honored to count Adam Federico as one of the first Hairbrained Community members, as well as a longtime friend and fellow #crafthairdresser. In this episode, we trace Adam's and his family's deep roots in professional beauty education, going...
08.27.2023
Episode #303: Ricardo Dinis, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Haircutting and Trichologist
We’ve long heard that scalp health equals hair health, but what exactly does that mean? In this episode, Ricardo Dinis (@ricadodinis), @Aveda Global Artistic Director of Haircutting, sheds light on scalp health and scalp solutions. He shares his journey to...
08.20.2023
Episode #302: Kati Whitledge, Mya Software Founder
In this episode, we get to know Kati Whitledge (@katiwhitledge), entrepreneur, salon owner, professional speaker, author and fellow podcaster. She shares her journey of how, as a "thirsty" hairdresser, she was fascinated with business development and why people choose brands...
08.06.2023
Episode #301 Maggie Hancock, Schwarzkopf Professional Artist
In this episode, Maggie Hancock, @maggiemh, @schwarzkopfusa artist reveals how determination, grit and humility helped her achieve her goals. She shares how she not only took on multiple jobs to make her dream of opening a salon a reality, but...
07.23.2023
Episode #300: Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor
To celebrate our 300thpodcast episode, Hairbrained cofounders Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor reflect on Hb’s past, present and future—and the immense gratitude they feel to each of you who have been part of the journey. They reminisce about the early...
07.16.2023
Episode #299: Ben Brown, Global Educator
Aristotle once said, "The more you know, the more you realize you don't know." Ben Brown (@benbrownhair) had this epiphany when a student asked him why he was doing a technique in a certain way, and he realized he didn't...
07.09.2023
Episode #298: Stef Fox Founder of Talent Match
With more than two decades in the pro beauty space, not to mention a master's degree in business, Stef Fox (@stef_fox) has had a long and varied career that allows her to simultaneously have an intimate as well as a bird's eye view of the...
07.02.2023
Episode #297: Colin Caruso and Fern Andong, John Paul Mitchell Systems
On the eve of @paulmitchellpro's latest release, the nine-SKU semi-permanent hair color line Colorways, we're joined by Artistic Director for Color @colincaruso and Colorways Brand Ambassador @fernthebarber. Creative color is experiencing a renaissance, and not just in the salon—as a...
06.24.2023
Episode #296: Laurent Philippon, Editorial/Session Styling Icon
Now celebrating the 10th anniversary of his seminal book, “Hair: Fashion and Fantasy,” Laurent Philippon is, in his own words, “a hair-thinking war machine.” The world-renowned session stylist never stops dreaming about hair, and his passion for the art and...
06.18.2023
Episode #295, Lupe Voss, @colorspacehair Co-Founder
Lupe Voss is known within the #crafthairdresser community as a top-notch educator and colorist. For a lot of her career, she tailored her education around a color line. But with Color Space, she decided it was time to tailor the...
06.10.2023
Episode #294: Wade Zylstra, Lux Salon owner, and Kasandra Grzanka, @vomor Hair Extension educator
Hair extensions have come a long way in recent years, and so have expectations surrounding them. These days, knowing proper application techniques, how to color match and blend perfectly, and, quite frankly, the art behind extensions is the norm. We...
06.06.2023
Episode #293: Miki Wright, Pricing Strategist
One of the most emotionally charged aspects of hairdressing is pricing. Look at almost any hair transformation video on @hairbrained_official, and there's usually a "How much would you charge for this?" question. Fear of losing clients, vague "charge your worth"...
05.27.2023
Episode #292: Jack Martin, Celebrity Colorist and @k18hair advocate
For years, the idea that “women of a certain age” would willingly embrace their grays was, let’s face it, laughable. But when celebrity colorist Jack Martin (@jackmartincolorist) and his stunning gray transformations came onto the scene, perspectives shifted—not only on...
05.21.2023
Episode #291, DJ Muldoon, global educator and founder of Knowledge Destroys Fear
One of the best aspects of being a pro in the hair industry is the friendships you make along the way. In fact, this idea of community and shared experiences is at the heart of what Hairbrained is all about....
05.07.2023
Episode #290: Chrystal L., @allhairacademy
Chrystal L. has devoted her career to helping all hairdressers reach their full potential and realize their dreams. In 2019, she launched @allhairacademy, a program for stylists who want to attract a diverse clientele and be confident working with any hair...
04.30.2023
Episode #289: Candace Mansour, Bridal Hair Specialist
What do you do when you hate doing wedding hair? You double down, of course! That is, you do if you're Candace Mansour (@candacemansour), a bridal hair specialist and educator based in the Northeast. Like many, she was intimidated by...
04.23.2023
Episode #288: Tom Connell, Davines Hair Art Director
Join Gerard as he sits down with Tom Connell (@tommconnell), Hair Art Director for @davinesofficial, for this special episode filmed at the Davines House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We go deep into Tom's creative process and his unique way of manifesting...
04.16.2023
Episode #287: Dominique LyVar, ReZo Master Global Educator and Designer
With more than two decades of pro beauty experience, Dominique LyVar (@kingdomofcurls_) has had a transformative career: He’s worked as a stylist in corporate salons, taught at the Aveda Institute in NY, and even works as a freelance editorial artist....
04.02.2023
Episode #286, Traci Sakosits, VP of Education and Creative for Aveda Arts + Sciences Institutes
Traci Sakosits (@tracisak_hair) has devoted her career to uplifting and educating future hairdressers. After spending the last decade coaching students as the North American Creative Director at Sassoon Academy, she is now the VP of Education and Creative for Aveda...
03.26.2023
Episode #285, Anne Maza, Olivia Garden Co-Owner
Many brands have been known to pivot during their lifetime, but none quite like Olivia Garden (@oliviagarden_int). Established in 1967 by Jean and Micheline Rennette in Belgium, the company began life as a high-quality synthetic wig manufacturer. But as tastes...
03.19.2023
Episode #284, Ed McNeill, Senior Vice President @premierebeautyshows
With the brand-new Premiere Anaheim trade show just around the corner, Ed McNeill, SVP of Premiere Show Group, shares his insights into @premierebeautyshows' evolution and the continued importance of trade shows in today’s digital age. In this episode, you’ll...
03.12.2023
Episode #283: Sonna Brado, KMS Global Artist
One of the industry's best educators—not to mention a polished facilitator and presenter—Sonna Brado (@sonnabrado) reinvented her career during the pandemic by creating educational videos that offer value both to hairstylists and clients alike. As a result, Sonna's social media following grew...
03.05.2023
Episode #282: Tom and Erin Kuhn, Qnity, Inc.
It has long been reported by government and private statistics reports that many, if not most, hairdressers earn less than the poverty level. But because of inconsistencies and confusion in reporting, Tom and Erin Kuhn believed these figures weren’t truly...
02.25.2023
Episode #281: Janine Jarman, Salon Owner and Founder of @CurlCult
A non-conformist filled with ambition since her teens when she found her passion and talent for hair, Janine Jarman has continually strived to do things her way. Janine frankly discusses how being persistent and following her gut has led her...
02.19.2023
Episode #280: Fern The Barber, @PaulMitchell Global Platform Artist
Not many can claim they went from driving a forklift at Home Depot to becoming one of the industry’s most recognizable educators. But this unique origin story befits Fern Andong, better known as @fernthebarber, and his unique approach to hair...
02.12.2023
Episode #279: Jayne Matthews, Hairstylist, Educator, and Co-owner of Edo Salon
Over the past several years, Jayne Matthews (@jayne_edosalon) has blazed a trail across our industry using social media to share her "carving petals" approach to razor cutting. But her success has been hard earned; she had to overcome many challenges...
02.05.2023
Episode #278: Ryan Richman, Celebrity Stylist & Aveda Ambassador
One wouldn’t think that being an introvert would actually help a hairdresser become a celebrity stylist. But that’s just what happened to Ryan Richman (@ryanrichman), who was recently named an @aveda ambassador. Ryan’s incredible roster of star clients reads like...
01.29.2023
Episode #277: IGK Founders Franck Izquierdo, Chase Kusero, Aaron Grenia and Leo Izquierdo
Meet the "fantastic four" founders of @igkhair: @franckhair, @chasehair, @aarongreniahair and @leohairofficial. Together they have built a salon brand and product line that is redefining the next generation of pro beauty. With salon locations in NYC and Miami, they keep their finger on the pulse...
01.22.2023
Episode #276: Jacob Khan and Ben White
Humor with a down-to-earth attitude and top-notch hairdressing and educating skills—that’s what @jacobhkhan is known for. In this episode, we dive deep with the @goldwellus Ambassador and his frequent co-creator and fellow craft hairdresser, Ben White. (Spoiler: Jacob makes a big announcement...
01.15.2023
Episode #275: Robert Cromeans and Antony Whitaker
You know when two of the industry's sharpest minds come together, it's going to be a good podcast! Robert Cromeans (@robertcromeans), Global Artistic and Business Director for @paulmitchell, and Antony Whitaker, founder of @growmysalonbuisness, volley back and forth about marketing yourself as a...
01.08.2023
Episode #274: Greg and Joanne Starkman founders Innersense Organic Beauty
Episode #274: Greg and Joanne Starkman, Innersense Organic Beauty Founders Seasoned beauty pros and founders of @innersenseorganicbeauty Greg and Joanne Starkman share their deeply intertwined personal and brand story. After the birth of their special needs child, Morgan, the Starkmans realized...
01.01.2023
Episode #273: Reuben Carranza, CEO Amika
We're kicking off 2023 with a very special guest: longtime Hairbrained friend, Reuben Carranza. One of the most successful and prolific C-suite leaders in pro beauty, Reuben is currently CEO for Amika and Eva NYC. In this episode, he shares...

What's Hairbrained Conversations about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Hairbrained Conversations episodes:

Episode #322: Ashlee Norman, @schwarzkopfusa Artistic Team Member and @k18hair Ambassador

Episode #321: Christine Hall, @aveda Vice President, Research & Development, and Renée Gadar, Global Artistic Director, Texture

Episode #320: Ray Civello, Salon Owner and Back of Bottle Founder

Episode 319: Allison Daza, Owner of Hanging Garden Studio and Host of “Stories From The Field” from Davines

Episode #318 Gordon Nelson, VP Brand Partnerships, Hairbrained

Episode #317: Evan Joseph, Salon Owner and Independent Curl Educator

Episode #316: Jorge Blanco, @davinesofficial Global Narrative Storytelling and North America Culture & Creative Director

Episode #315: Nick Stenson, @ultabeauty SVP of Store + Services Operations

Episode #314: Patricia Nikole, @paintedhair, @schwarzkopfusa Artistic Ambassador

Episode #313: Diana Osborne, @holistichairexpert and @innersensepro Educator

Episode #312: Carly Zanoni, @the.blonde.chronicles, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador

Episode #311: Kristin Firrell, VP of Salon Development and John Paul Mitchell Systems

Episode #310: Melissa Parizot and Olivia Casanova, Co-Owners of IGK Salon in NYC

Episode #309: Roger Molina, Master Stylist at Lunatic Fringe and Sam Villa ArTeam Member

Episode #308: Todd Faulk, Aveda Arts And Sciences Institute Senior Educator

Episode #307: Alfredo Lewis, @k18hair Global Ambassador

Episode #306: Tatum Neill, Founder of @elevatehair

Episode #305: Christopher Aaron, @cristopheraaronstudio, L'ANZA International Advanced Artist

#304: Adam Federico, VP of Creative Development, @randco

Episode #303: Ricardo Dinis, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Haircutting and Trichologist

Episode #302: Kati Whitledge, Mya Software Founder

Episode #301 Maggie Hancock, Schwarzkopf Professional Artist

Episode #300: Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor

Episode #299: Ben Brown, Global Educator

Episode #298: Stef Fox Founder of Talent Match

Episode #297: Colin Caruso and Fern Andong, John Paul Mitchell Systems

Episode #296: Laurent Philippon, Editorial/Session Styling Icon

Episode #295, Lupe Voss, @colorspacehair Co-Founder

Episode #294: Wade Zylstra, Lux Salon owner, and Kasandra Grzanka, @vomor Hair Extension educator

Episode #293: Miki Wright, Pricing Strategist

Episode #292: Jack Martin, Celebrity Colorist and @k18hair advocate

Episode #291, DJ Muldoon, global educator and founder of Knowledge Destroys Fear

Episode #290: Chrystal L., @allhairacademy

Episode #289: Candace Mansour, Bridal Hair Specialist

Episode #288: Tom Connell, Davines Hair Art Director

Episode #287: Dominique LyVar, ReZo Master Global Educator and Designer

Episode #286, Traci Sakosits, VP of Education and Creative for Aveda Arts + Sciences Institutes

Episode #285, Anne Maza, Olivia Garden Co-Owner

Episode #284, Ed McNeill, Senior Vice President @premierebeautyshows

Episode #283: Sonna Brado, KMS Global Artist

Episode #282: Tom and Erin Kuhn, Qnity, Inc.

Episode #281: Janine Jarman, Salon Owner and Founder of @CurlCult

Episode #280: Fern The Barber, @PaulMitchell Global Platform Artist

Episode #279: Jayne Matthews, Hairstylist, Educator, and Co-owner of Edo Salon

Episode #278: Ryan Richman, Celebrity Stylist & Aveda Ambassador

Episode #277: IGK Founders Franck Izquierdo, Chase Kusero, Aaron Grenia and Leo Izquierdo

Episode #276: Jacob Khan and Ben White

Episode #275: Robert Cromeans and Antony Whitaker

Episode #274: Greg and Joanne Starkman founders Innersense Organic Beauty

Episode #273: Reuben Carranza, CEO Amika

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